Coconut Oil and Comedogenicity

Recently, I’ve gotten a couple of questions about coconut oil, its comedogenic properties, and how concerned we should be about the comedogenicity ratings scale.

What Exactly Does Comedogenic and Noncomedogenic Mean

If an ingredient will tend to clog pores, it is described as comedogenic. If an ingredient is unlikely to clog pores, it is described as noncomedogenic.

This may sound pretty straightforward, but there is room for misunderstanding.

For Example When it is Purposefully Created

The term noncomedogenic is sometimes used as a marketing tool. I’ve seen it splashed across glitzy ads for cosmetics products in big letters. It does sound reassuring, don't you think?

'This product is 100% noncomedogenic'.

Wow.

Advertising a product as noncomedogenic really makes it sound like that product has been thoroughly tested in laboratories by dedicated scientists and that their advanced and real test findings are being quoted in this informative ad. Some ads are so cleverly worded, they (purposefully) leave you with the impression that using this particular noncomedogenic product will not only unclog your pores, but will also make acne, blackheads and other unwanted substances magically disappear.

Fact: noncomedogenic products do not unblock pores. Neither do they reduce acne.

I've tried, but I haven't been able to find a single clinical trial on the pore-unblocking abilities of noncomedogenic ingredients – anywhere. If you know of one, please do enlighten me and pop a comment below.

Back to The Coconut

Coconut oil is categorized as comedogenic. The categorization alone is enough to cause worry to the point of panic in some.

'Is it safe to use on my skin?'

'Will it make blackheads appear all over my face if I include it in my cleansing balm?’

'I've never had acne but I'm afraid I might get it if I use coconut oil' etc etc.

Fact: a comedogenic ingredient will not instantly clog the pores of anyone who uses it.

So What are the Risks?

The risks of using a comedogenic ingredient are: a greater likelihood of experiencing clogged pores if you have a tendency to get clogged pores in the first place.

Now, I'm not saying to throw all caution to the wind and go crazy with coconut oil if you have a tendency to get clogged pores. I'm just saying you may not have to be quite as worried about it as you might have imagined.

If you want to read a bit about comedogenicity ratings and how to use them, check this informative post (and video) by Lab Muffin.

Do Tell

Are you nervous about using comedogenic ingredients?